Building High Impact Teams – Helen Russell – Atlassian

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My passion is culture "Focus on the team, not the individual." Helen Russell is the Chief People Officer at Atlassian. She had a great conversation with Mark and Patrick about talent, leadership, teams, and learning. Atlassian is a company that creates software that allows teams to work together better. She was formerly of Santa Barbara-based SONOS until recently. Her background includes working at a WPP company, Kantar, which was intriguing as Mark works with WPP company, J Walter Thompson. This wide-ranging conversation covered a lot of ground including: • What's the role of HR in the new, dynamic, fast-growth economy where companies grow at 35% and more • How you have to rethink how you work with high-potential employees - they have to outpace the business's rapid growth, as their jobs will inevitably morph every six months. Looking for exponentially bright people and move them up and through the organization • GRIT - it's not just intelligence - it's drive and determination that is the hallmark of top performers • Why companies need to rethink Performance Ratings - and focus instead on team performance • What we care about is Collective Success • Her sports background • The discussion and definition of Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace was enlightening • The most diverse perspectives help high impact teams deliver results • "What are the skills required for our future company?" Incredible insight into the role of HR in the C-suite • How to craft a talent strategy for your company • How HR is now more like the CMO • The question each of us (entrepreneurs) should ask ourselves, "Are we the right person to hire people in our company?" Should we pass that to a professional? • A book recommendation: WHO by Geoff Smart and Randy Street • Her go-to icebreaker to start off an interview. "Last night, you were with a friend, and telling them about today's meeting. How did you characterize it to them?" • We talked about the recent acquisition of TRELLO by Atlassian. We love TRELLO. This led to a discussion about mergers and corporate culture.